African lions are large, powerful mammals known for their majestic appearance and social behavior. They typically live in groups called prides, which consist of related females, their cubs, and a few males. These lions are found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, where they inhabit savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands. Lions are apex predators, primarily hunting large herbivores such as zebras and wildebeests. They are recognized for their distinctive manes, which vary in color and size among males. African lions play a crucial role in their ecosystem by helping to control the populations of other animals, maintaining a balance in their habitat.